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Landlord and Tenant Resources
The City has no legal obligation to assist in resolving disputes but will make a reasonable effort to investigate breaches of contract per Initiative 25-01. More information regarding Initiative 25-01 can be found here.
This initiative allows the City to issue citations and assess civil penalties for violations, including fines up to $500 for a first violation and up to $1,000 for repeat or retaliatory violations. Each affected tenant, and each day a violation continues may be treated as a separate offense, significantly expanding enforcement exposure. Responsibility for violations is joint and several, meaning the City may pursue enforcement against any responsible party without needing to cite all parties involved. City enforcement may occur alongside private tenant lawsuits reinforcing code enforcement’s role as both a compliance and deterrence mechanism rather than the sole avenue of accountability.
To submit a report of a potential violation, fill out our online code enforcement form here, or send a detailed email to codecompliance@cityofferndale.org.
- Western Washington University - Your Rights – Off Campus Living
- Landlord Damage Relief Program - Washington State Department of Commerce
- Association of Manufactured Homeowners - http://www.wamho.org/
- Tenants Union of Washington State - Tenants Union Know Your Rights
- Opportunity Council Landlord Liaison can be reached at 1-360-296-1254 or by email LandlordLiaison@whatcomhsc.org
- Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center - https://www.whatcomdrc.org/
- Washington Law Help - https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/issues/housing
- Law Advocates of Whatcom County - https://lawadvocates.org/
- Northwest Justice Project - https://nwjustice.org/home
- City of Ferndale water/sewer - Utility Discount Program | Ferndale, WA
- Opportunity Council assistance with electricity, home heating sources, rent, and food - https://www.oppco.org/utilities/#help-with-utility-costs
- Puget Sound Energy - PSE | Assistance programs
- Opportunity Council assistance with improvements to home energy efficiency, durability, indoor air quality, and health and safety concerns - https://www.oppco.org/home-repair/